Teens

I Throw Up During My Period. Is That Normal?

When I get my period, sometimes it causes me to throw up. Is this normal or bad for me, and what should I do?
- Annie*

Many girls find they throw up — or feel like they might throw up — just before or during their periods. Hormone changes are probably the cause, and these feelings usually go away in a day or two. Treating menstrual cramps (for example, with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or heating pads) can help some girls get rid of the nausea.

Sometimes birth control pills can help to reduce lots of the problems girls get before or during a period. You might also find that eating smaller, more frequent meals can help.

See your doctor if:

you throw up a lot

you throw up for more than a couple of days

you can't keep fluids down

the throwing up gets worse over time

That way you can make sure you're not getting dehydrated or there isn't another problem going on.